Evidence-based treatment of acute otitis externa

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Authors

Outhoff, Kim

Journal Title

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Volume Title

Publisher

Medpharm

Abstract

Acute otitis externa (AOE), or diffuse inflammation of the external ear canal, causes a range of symptoms, including otalgia, otorrhoea, hearing loss and itching. Despite AOE being common, with a 12-month prevalence of approximately 1%, there is a paucity of evidence-based treatment guidelines. This contributes to a wide variation in its management, especially in general practice. In particular, there appears to be confusion over the roles of topical and oral antibiotics, as well as concerns about ototoxicity and the emergence of microbial resistance potentially caused by topical preparations. This article reviews the current evidence-based treatment of AOE.

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Keywords

Evidence-based treatment, Acute otitis externa (AOE), Diffuse inflammation, External ear canal

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Citation

Outhoff, K 2014, 'Evidence-based treatment of acute otitis externa', South African Family Practice, vol. 56, no. 6, pp. 6-8.